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Revisiting the Detroit Lions’ 2016 draft: Bob Quinn’s first

By James F. Puzzuoli

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 18: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants carries the ball against Antwione Williams #52 of the Detroit Lions in the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 17-6. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 18: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants carries the ball against Antwione Williams #52 of the Detroit Lions in the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 17-6. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

THE MISSES

Linebacker Antwione Williams started in three games in his rookie season, but had very little impact. Just before the 2017 season opened, Williams was cut by Detroit.

Long snapper Jimmy Landes was an even bigger miss in 2016. Landes wowed people with “trick snap” videos posted online, but never did anything for Detroit on the field. His rookie season was cut short by an injury in preseason, and he was released before training camp of 2017.

Landes was a big mistake by Quinn. He was only a sixth round pick, which is a point in Quinn’s favor. Late round misses are common for every team in the NFL.

However, this pick is indefensible because the position of long snapper normally isn’t drafted. Had Quinn found the guy to snap the ball for the next 10-15 years, this could have been something great. Unfortunately, it was a failure, and the pick would have been better spent on another position.

CLOSE TO BEING CUT

Running back Dwayne Washington has looked pretty bad in just two years. Of course, when it comes to the ground game, the Detroit Lions have not looked good in general. Injuries on the offensive line have not helped, but the halfback position lacks talent.

Unfortunately, it looks like Washington might be on his last chance to stay on this roster. His career average of 2.8 yards per carry doesn’t cut it. Washington has just one touchdown. He could breakout this off-season, but if he doesn’t, it is unlikely he is on the 2018 roster.

THE DEPTH GUYS

Safety Miles Killebrew made some great plays in his rookie season. He has a knack for opportune tackles, but it feels like he gets lost in coverage at times. He adds much needed depth to the safety position, but does not look like a starter. At least not yet.

Quarterback Jake Rudock is nowhere near the talent of franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. Rudock has played very little in two years. Still, it is nice having a young guy with a decent arm developing behind Stafford. Not sure if Rudock will be with the Detroit Lions long-term. But as a late round backup, the franchise seems satisfied with Rudock’s development thus far.

Guard Joe Dahl is not a “big wow” talent, but he provides depth on the line. Dahl can play not just guard, but center and tackle as well. If Glasgow starts at center, there is a possibility that Dahl starts at left guard in 2018. Dahl’s versatility and hard work are his best assets, especially for a fifth round pick.

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